U.S. patent application number 12/933193 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-20 for hearing aid.
Invention is credited to Fumihiro Asayama, Yosimasa Simogochi, Minoru Tada, Keiichi Takeda, Makoto Yagi.
Application Number | 20110013795 12/933193 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42728084 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110013795 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Takeda; Keiichi ; et
al. |
January 20, 2011 |
HEARING AID
Abstract
An arc-shaped waterproof wall is provided around a shaft to
which a hearing aid main body case and a battery case are rotatably
attached, and waterproof ribs are provided to the outer periphery
of the installation face of the battery case and the hearing aid
main body case, which improves the ability to prevent the
penetration of moisture while also keep the cost low.
Inventors: |
Takeda; Keiichi; (Ehime,
JP) ; Simogochi; Yosimasa; (Kanagawa, JP) ;
Tada; Minoru; (Ehime, JP) ; Yagi; Makoto;
(Ehime, JP) ; Asayama; Fumihiro; (Ehime,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WENDEROTH, LIND & PONACK L.L.P.
1030 15th Street, N.W., Suite 400 East
Washington
DC
20005-1503
US
|
Family ID: |
42728084 |
Appl. No.: |
12/933193 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
March 8, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2010/001615 |
371 Date: |
September 17, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
381/322 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 25/65 20130101;
H04R 25/602 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
381/322 |
International
Class: |
H04R 25/00 20060101
H04R025/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 10, 2009 |
JP |
2009-056203 |
Claims
1. A hearing aid, comprising: a hearing aid main body case; a
hanger portion that is provided to the end of the hearing aid main
body case and is hooked to the upper part of the user's ear
auricle; a battery case that can be rotated with respect to the
hearing aid main body case and housed inside the hearing aid main
body case; a rotary shaft that supports the battery case in a
rotatable state with respect to the hearing aid main body case; and
a substantially arc-shaped wall portion provided around the rotary
shaft of the battery case so as to protrude from a side face
substantially parallel to the rotation direction with respect to
the hearing aid main body case, toward the inner wall face of the
hearing aid main body case.
2. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the wall portion
is formed in a concentric shape with respect to the rotary
shaft.
3. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the wall portion
is substantially arc-shaped, formed in a range of over 180 degrees
around the rotary shaft.
4. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the rotary shaft
is formed on a base portion having a substantially cylindrical
shape, and the wall portion slides while in contact with the outer
peripheral face of the base portion.
5. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the wall portion
is formed in a concentric shape with respect to the rotary shaft,
in a range of less than 360 degrees around the rotary shaft.
6. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the hearing aid
main body case has a substantially arc-shaped groove in which the
wall portion on the battery case side is fitted and slides.
7. The hearing aid according to claim 6, wherein the groove has a
first end that communicates with the outer surface of the hearing
aid main body case and in which the wall portion slides, and a
second end that blocks the inside of the hearing aid main body
case.
8. The hearing aid according to claim 1, further comprising a
convex first rib provided along a side face of the battery
case.
9. The hearing aid according to claim 1, further comprising a
convex second rib provided along the inner face of an opening that
is opposite the side face of the battery case in the hearing aid
main body case in a state in which the battery case is housed in
the hearing aid main body case.
10. The hearing aid according to claim 8, wherein the first rib has
a height that is somewhat larger than the gap between the battery
case and the hearing aid main body case.
11. The hearing aid according to claim 9, wherein the second rib
has a height that is somewhat larger than the gap between the
battery case and the hearing aid main body case.
12. The hearing aid according to claim 1, further comprising: a
convex first rib provided along a side face of the battery case;
and a convex second rib provided along the inner face of an opening
that is opposite the side face of the battery case in the hearing
aid main body case in a state in which the battery case is housed
in the hearing aid main body case, wherein, in a state in which the
battery case is housed in the hearing aid main body case, the first
rib and the second rib are disposed at nearby positions where they
do not interfere with each other.
13. The hearing aid according to claim 12, wherein the relation
between the height R1 of the first rib and the size H of the gap
between the hearing aid main body case and the battery case
satisfies the relation H/2.ltoreq.R1<H.
14. The hearing aid according to claim 12, wherein the relation
between the height R2 of the second rib and the size H of the gap
between the hearing aid main body case and the battery case
satisfies the relation H/2.ltoreq.R2<H.
15. The hearing aid according to claim 13 wherein the gap H is set
to be no more than 0.05 mm.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a hearing aid that
supplements the hearing aid function by amplifying and outputting a
collected sound source, and more particularly relates to a BTE
(Behind-The-Ear) hearing aid. More precisely, the present invention
relates to a hearing aid structure with which moisture is prevented
from penetrating through gaps between the hearing aid main body
case and the battery case.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In the past, since the main body of a BTE (Behind-The-Ear)
hearing aid was exposed to the outside, the penetration of
moisture, such as rain or perspiration, was a problem.
[0003] This was a particular problem with the battery case, and
because it had a structure that was opened and closed during
battery replacement, there was a gap between the hearing aid main
body case and the battery case, making it extremely likely that
water or perspiration would penetrate into the interior of the
hearing aid.
[0004] In view of this, a hearing aid has been disclosed in the
past in which the battery case is rotatably fitted to the hearing
aid main body case, and a gasket is installed at the grounding face
between the battery case opening and the opening at the lower end
of the hearing aid main body case (see Patent Literature 1, for
example). Consequently, the gasket is pressed when the battery case
is closed, and this prevents the penetration of rain or
perspiration into the battery case.
[0005] Also, there has been a disclosure in which the entire
battery case is housed inside the hearing aid main body case, a
groove is formed in the inner wall face of the battery case, and a
hole is provided in the lower part of this groove, which allows any
moisture that does penetrate to drain away (see Patent Literature
2, for example).
PRIOR ART PUBLICATIONS
Patent Literature
[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Utility Model Publication
H3-6075
[0007] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent No. 2,974,957
SUMMARY
[0008] Nevertheless, a problem with the method of Patent Literature
2, in which a groove or hole is provided for draining off any
moisture that penetrates, is that as the size of the hearing aid
main body case is reduced, there is less space available for the
groove, and even though the groove is intended to drain off water,
the effect of the surface tension of the water present in tiny gaps
causes some water to remain inside the groove.
[0009] Also, when the waterproofing structure involving a gasket of
Patent Literature 1 is applied to a structure in which the entire
battery case is housed inside the hearing aid main body case as in
Patent Literature 2, a gasket is provided to the side face of the
battery case or to the inner wall face of the hearing aid main body
case. Accordingly, since there is gasket rub every time the battery
case is opened and closed, this creates a problem in terms of the
durability of the gasket itself. Also, in the manufacturing
process, attaching the gasket takes time and tends to drive up the
cost.
[0010] The present invention solves the above problems encountered
in the past, and provides a BTE (Behind-The-Ear) hearing aid which
is inexpensive and with which moisture penetration is effectively
prevented, even with a BTE hearing aid having a structure in which
the entire battery case is housed inside the hearing aid main body
case.
[0011] The hearing aid of the present invention comprises a hearing
aid main body case, a hanger portion, a battery case, a rotary
shaft, and a substantially arc-shaped wall portion. The hanger
portion is provided to the end of the hearing aid main body case
and is hooked to the upper part of the user's ear auricle. The
battery case can be rotated with respect to the hearing aid main
body case and housed inside the hearing aid main body case. The
rotary shaft supports the battery case in a rotatable state with
respect to the hearing aid main body case. The substantially
arc-shaped wall portion is provided around the rotary shaft of the
battery case so as to protrude from a side face substantially
parallel to the rotation direction with respect to the hearing aid
main body case, toward the inner wall face of the hearing aid main
body case.
[0012] With the hearing aid of the present invention, it is
preferable if the wall portion is formed in a concentric shape with
respect to the rotary shaft.
[0013] With the hearing aid of the present invention, the wall
portion is substantially arc-shaped, formed in a range of over 180
degrees around the rotary shaft.
[0014] With the hearing aid of the present invention, it is
preferable if the rotary shaft is formed on a base portion having a
substantially cylindrical shape, and the wall portion slides while
in contact with the outer peripheral face of the base portion.
[0015] With the hearing aid of the present invention, it is
preferable if the wall portion is formed in a concentric shape with
respect to the rotary shaft, in a range of less than 360 degrees
around the rotary shaft.
[0016] With the hearing aid of the present invention, it is
preferable if the hearing aid main body case has a substantially
arc-shaped groove in which the wall portion on the battery case
side is fitted and slides.
[0017] With the hearing aid of the present invention, it is
preferable if the groove has a first end that communicates with the
outer surface of the hearing aid main body case and in which the
wall portion slides, and a second end that blocks the inside of the
hearing aid main body case.
[0018] It is also preferable if the hearing aid of the present
invention further comprises a convex first rib provided along a
side face of the battery case.
[0019] It is also preferable if the hearing aid of the present
invention further comprises a convex second rib provided along the
inner face of an opening that is opposite the side face of the
battery case in the hearing aid main body case in a state in which
the battery case is housed in the hearing aid main body case.
[0020] With the hearing aid of the present invention, it is
preferable if the first rib has a height that is somewhat larger
than the gap between the battery case and the hearing aid main body
case.
[0021] With the hearing aid of the present invention, it is
preferable if the second rib has a height that is somewhat larger
than the gap between the battery case and the hearing aid main body
case.
[0022] It is also preferable if the hearing aid of the present
invention further comprises a convex first rib provided along a
side face of the battery case, and a convex second rib provided
along the inner face of an opening that is opposite the side face
of the battery case in the hearing aid main body case in a state in
which the battery case is housed in the hearing aid main body case,
wherein, in a state in which the battery case is housed in the
hearing aid main body case, the first rib and the second rib are
disposed at nearby positions where they do not interfere with each
other.
[0023] With the hearing aid of the present invention, it is
preferable if the relation between the height R1 of the first rib
and the size H of the gap between the hearing aid main body case
and the battery case satisfies the relation H/2.ltoreq.R1<H.
[0024] With the hearing aid of the present invention, it is
preferable if the relation between the height R2 of the second rib
and the size H of the gap between the hearing aid main body case
and the battery case satisfies the relation H/2.ltoreq.R2<H.
[0025] With the hearing aid of the present invention, it is
preferable if the gap H is set to be no more than 0.05 mm.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS
[0026] With the hearing aid of the present invention, the
penetration of moisture can be prevented at low cost even with a
hearing aid structure in which the entire battery case is housed in
the hearing aid main body case.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is an overall view of the BTE hearing aid pertaining
to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a detail perspective view of the configuration of
the battery case housing portion of the hearing aid main body case
of the hearing aid in FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the configuration of the
battery case of the hearing aid in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3b is a plan
view of the configuration of the wall portion of the battery case
in FIG. 3a;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a state in which a drop of
water has adhered to the hearing aid of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIGS. 5a and 5b are a schematic diagram of the path by which
the water drop penetrates into the hearing aid of FIG. 1, and a
schematic diagram of a comparative example thereof;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a
state in which a drop of water has adhered to the hearing aid
pertaining to another embodiment (Embodiment 2) of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the configuration of the
battery case of the hearing aid in FIG. 6; and
[0034] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the path by which a water
drop penetrates into the hearing aid of FIG. 6.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0035] A BTE (Behind-The-Ear) hearing aid comprises a microphone, a
speech processor that processes a speech signal inputted from the
microphone, an amplifier that amplifies the speech signal, a
receiver that transmits the amplified speech signal as a sound
vibration to the ear canal of the wearer, and a battery that drives
the hearing aid, all housed in a BTE (behind the ear) configuration
disposed behind the ear.
[0036] Another BTE hearing aid that is on the market is called an
RIC (receiver in the canal), with which the receiver is
electrically connected to the outside of the BTE, and this is
disposed directly in the ear canal.
[0037] The hearing aid of the present invention comprises a
structure that prevents the penetration of moisture into the part
that houses the battery that is installed in the BTE hearing
aid.
Embodiment 1
[0038] FIG. 1 is an overall view of the BTE hearing aid 20
pertaining to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0039] The hearing aid 20 of this embodiment mainly comprises, as
its outer housing, a hearing aid main body case 1 and a battery
case 2. Although not depicted, the hearing aid main body case 1
includes electrical circuits for a microphone, signal processor,
amplifier, receiver, etc. A hanger portion 1a that is hooked onto
the upper part of the ear auricle of the wearer during use is
linked to the upper end of the hearing aid main body case 1. A
battery that supplies electricity to the electrical circuits is
housed in the battery case 2.
[0040] FIG. 2 is a detail perspective view of the configuration of
the battery case housing portion of the hearing aid main body case
1.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the hearing aid main body case 1 has a
convex portion (rotary shaft) 3 that rotatably supports the battery
case 2, and a rib (second rib) 4 for narrowing the gap produced
between the hearing aid main body case 1 and the battery case
2.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the convex portion 3 is disposed on the
inside of the hearing aid main body case 1, is formed so as to
protrude inward from the interior surface thereof, and has a
substantially cylindrical shape. Also, the convex portion 3 is
formed on a substantially cylindrical base portion 3a. The base
portion 3a has a shape in which part of the cylindrical shape is
cut off, and a groove 8 is formed in the outer peripheral part
thereof.
[0043] A wall portion 6 (see FIG. 3a) of the battery case 2
(discussed below) is fitted into the groove 8 and slides in this
state. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the groove 8 has a first end 8a,
which serves as an open end that communicates with the outer
peripheral surface of the hearing aid main body case 1, at one end
going around the outer periphery of the substantially cylindrical
base portion 3a. The groove 8 also has a second end 8b, which
serves as a closed end that does not communicate with the outer
peripheral surface of the hearing aid main body case 1, at the end
on the interior side of the hearing aid main body case 1 going
around the outer periphery of the substantially cylindrical base
portion 3a.
[0044] Consequently, the groove 8 is open only at one end of the
approximate arc shape (the first end 8a), and the second end 8b is
a closed end within the hearing aid main body case 1, so this
results in a structure with which it is more difficult for moisture
to penetrate from the outer peripheral surface of the hearing aid
20.
[0045] In order to fill in the gap between the hearing aid main
body case 1 and the battery case 2, the rib 4 protrudes toward the
battery case 2 side from the interior space side of the hearing aid
main body case 1 in which the battery case 2 is housed. Also, as
shown in FIG. 2, the rib 4 is disposed substantially in an arc
shape so as to be disposed along the outer end under the battery
case 2 in a state in which the battery case 2 is housed inside the
hearing aid main body case 1.
[0046] Only one convex portion 3, one rib 4, etc., are shown in
FIG. 2, but actually the other halves of these pairs are provided
on the opposite side of the space in which the battery case 2 is
housed in the hearing aid 20.
[0047] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the configuration of the
battery case 2.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 3a, the battery case 2 has a concave
portion 5 that mates with the convex portion 3 of the hearing aid
main body case 1, and the wall portion 6 provided in the form of an
arc, which is concentric with the convex portion 3 serving as a
rotary shaft, around this concave portion 5.
[0049] The concave portion 5 is a cylindrical recess that mates
with the substantially cylindrical convex portion 3, and has a
diameter that is somewhat larger than the diameter of the convex
portion 3. Consequently, the convex portion 3 on the hearing aid
main body case 1 side functions as a rotary shaft, allowing the
battery case 2 to rotate with respect to the hearing aid main body
case 1.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 3a, the wall portion 6 is formed
concentrically with the cylindrical concave portion 5, and forms a
wall face that protrudes from a side face substantially parallel to
the rotation direction in the battery case 2. Also, when the
battery case 2 is rotated with respect to the hearing aid main body
case 1, the wall portion 6 slides along the inner peripheral face
of the substantially arc-shaped wall in a state of being in contact
with the outer peripheral face of the base portion 3a on the
hearing aid main body case 1 side. Consequently, by being combined
with the wall portion 6, the base portion 3a can also function as a
rotary shaft of the battery case 2 along with the convex portion 3.
Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the wall portion 6 has a
first end 6a disposed at the outer surface of the hearing aid main
body case 1, and a second end 6b located on the interior space side
of the hearing aid main body case 1.
[0051] In a closed state in which the battery case 2 is housed in
the hearing aid main body case 1, the first end 6a is located near
the first end 8a of the groove 8 on the hearing aid main body case
1. Meanwhile, the second end 6b is located near the second end 8b
of the groove 8. As the battery case 2 is rotated with respect to
the hearing aid main body case 1 and moves toward an open state,
the first end 6a moves along with the rotation of the battery case
2 to outside the hearing aid main body case 1. The second end 6b,
meanwhile, moves from the interior space of the hearing aid main
body case 1 to near the first end 8a of the groove 8 located on the
outer surface.
[0052] Furthermore, in a closed state in which the battery case 2
is housed inside the hearing aid main body case 1, the second end
6b of the wall portion 6 may be in contact with the second end 8b
of the groove 8 on the hearing aid main body case 1 side. In this
case, the second end 8b can function as a stopper that limits the
stopping point of the rotation of the battery case 2.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 3b, the wall portion 6 continuously forms
an arc-shaped wall face within a range of greater than 180 degrees
and less than 360 degrees around the concave portion 5 in plan view
(the side face view of the hearing aid 20 in a mounted state).
Consequently, compared to a configuration in which the wall portion
6 is only formed in a range of no more than 180 degrees, the
sliding distance can be increased between the outer peripheral face
of the base portion 3a and the inner peripheral face of the wall
portion 6 when the battery case 2 is opened and closed. Thus,
operation can be stabilized in the opening and closing of the
battery case 2. Accordingly, this prevents the gap from becoming
wider due to wear, etc., caused by looseness between the hearing
aid main body case 1 and the battery case 2 when the battery case 2
is opened and closed. As a result, the penetration of moisture into
the interior of the hearing aid 20 can be suppressed, and even if
some moisture should penetrate, the wall portion 6 makes it less
likely that the penetration will be all the way into the
interior.
[0054] Also, since the wall face of the wall portion 6 is not
formed over a range of 360 degrees around the concave portion 5, it
includes a part that is cut out. Consequently, this cut-out portion
can be utilized to dispose the concave portion 5 that mates with
the convex portion 3 at a location near the outer surface. As a
result, the hearing aid 20 can be more compact than with a
configuration in which the wall is formed over a range of 360
degrees.
[0055] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a state in which a drop of
water has adhered to the outer surface of the hearing aid 20.
[0056] The water drop 10 adheres around the rotary shaft to which
the hearing aid main body case 1 and the battery case 2 are fitted.
This position is the upper face when the hearing aid 20 is put on,
so it is where rain, perspiration, and other such moisture tends to
adhere.
[0057] Also, if small vibrations are imparted to the hearing aid 20
in this state when the wearer walks, etc., the moisture gradually
works its way in through the gap.
[0058] FIGS. 5a and 5b are cross-sectional views illustrating the
state in which the battery case has been housed in the hearing aid
main body case, and are diagrams of the path by which the water
drop penetrates. More specifically, FIG. 5a is a diagram of the
hearing aid 20 in this embodiment, and FIG. 5b is a diagram of a
comparative example thereof.
[0059] First, as shown in FIG. 5b, with the constitution of a
comparative example which lacks the wall portion 6 of the hearing
aid 20 of this embodiment, if the water drop 10 penetrates to the
end of the wall portion of a hearing aid main body case 101, the
water ends up working its way along a penetration path 11 into the
interior of a battery case 102.
[0060] In contrast, with the hearing aid 20 of this embodiment, as
shown in FIG. 5a, the wall portion 6 is provided to part of the
wall portion of the battery case 2. The water drop 10 that has
penetrated to the end of the wall portion of the battery case 2
moves along the penetration path 12, and downward in the drawing
along the wall portion 6, after which it turns 90 degrees and
proceeds to the right side in the drawing. Accordingly, compared to
the comparative example shown in FIG. 5b, the penetration path of
the water drop 10 is more complex, the distance traveled is longer,
and there is greater resistance in the movement of the water drop
10. As a result, penetration of the water drop 10 into the interior
of the battery case 2 of the hearing aid 20 can be effectively
prevented.
[0061] Also, where the water drop 10 penetrates into the hearing
aid 20 is not just around the convex portion 3 serving as the
rotary shaft of the battery case 2, but all the way around the
battery case 2.
[0062] Because of this, to prevent the penetration of the water
drop, it is desirable for the hearing aid main body case 1 and the
battery case 2 to be completely sealed so that the gap between them
is completely filled in.
[0063] In view of this, as shown in FIG. 6, by providing the rib 4
along the outer periphery of the inner face of the hearing aid main
body case 1, the gap is partially narrowed between the side face of
the battery case 2 and the wall face inside the part of the hearing
aid main body case 1 that houses the battery case 2. Here, having
the rib height be slightly lower than the height of the gap does
help to prevent the penetration path 13 of the water drop 10, but
it is preferable if the rib 4 is slightly taller than the size of
the gap, that is, tall enough to create an interference-fit
structure when the battery case 2 is housed inside the hearing aid
main body case 1.
[0064] More specifically, with a gap of 0.05 mm, the height of the
rib 4 is set to 0.06 mm. This further enhances the effect of
preventing moisture penetration. The above-mentioned
interference-fit structure refers to a structure in which there is
always interference when two mating parts are put together.
[0065] FIG. 6 is a diagram of the water penetration path 13 in the
case of an interference-fit structure.
[0066] Here, in a state in which the battery case 2 is housed in
the hearing aid main body case 1, as shown in FIG. 6, basically the
result is a state in which the rib 4 is press-fitted to the side
face of the battery case 2. Accordingly, this is extremely
effective at preventing the penetration of the water drop 10 into
the battery case 2.
Embodiment 2
[0067] In Embodiment 2, we will describe a hearing aid comprising a
rib structure that differs from that of the hearing aid in
Embodiment 1 above.
[0068] In addition to the rib 4 of the hearing aid main body case 1
described in Embodiment 1 above, in this constitution there is also
a rib 7 (first rib) on the side face of a battery case 22, as shown
in FIG. 7.
[0069] The rib 4 and the rib 7 are formed so as not to interfere
with each other in a state in which the battery case 2 is housed.
When the battery case 2 is housed in the hearing aid main body case
1, the positional relation between the rib 4 and the rib 7 is as
shown in FIG. 8, for example.
[0070] Consequently, as shown in FIG. 8, the water drop 10 must
follow a snaking penetration path 14, making it more difficult to
penetration into the battery case 22. Furthermore, the water drop
10 adhering to the gap between the hearing aid main body case 1 and
the battery case 2 tends to flow along the ribs 4 and 7 to the
outside of the hearing aid and fall off. Accordingly, the effect of
preventing the penetration of the water drop 10 into the battery
case 2 can be further enhanced.
[0071] Also, the height of the rib 4 and the rib 7 is preferably
set so that the ribs rub somewhat when the battery case 2 is opened
and closed.
[0072] For example, when the gap between the hearing aid main body
case 1 and the battery case 2 is 0.05 mm, the height R1 of the rib
4 is preferably set to at least 0.025 mm and the height R2 of the
rib 7 to at least 0.025 mm, and more preferably, the heights R1 and
R2 are each set to 0.03 mm so that the distal end portions of the
ribs 4 and 7 will overlap.
[0073] In other words, the relation between the heights R1 and R2
and the gap H between the hearing aid main body case 1 and the
battery case 2 is set as follows, with the heights of the ribs 4
and 7 set within these ranges.
[0074] H/2.ltoreq.R1<H
[0075] H/2.ltoreq.R2<H
[0076] Consequently, this avoids the problem of the ribs 4 and 7
interfering with each other in a state in which the battery case 2
is housed in the hearing aid main body case 1, or when the battery
case 2 is opened or closed with respect to the hearing aid main
body case 1.
Other Embodiments
[0077] Embodiments of the present invention were described above,
but the present invention is not limited to these, and various
modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the
invention.
[0078] (A)
[0079] In the above embodiments, an example was described in which
the groove 8 was provided on the hearing aid main body case 1 side
and the wall portion 6 on the battery case 2 side. However, the
present invention is not limited to this.
[0080] For instance, the reverse configuration may be employed, in
which the wall portion is provided on the hearing aid main body
case side, and the groove on the battery case side. Here again, the
same effect as that obtained in the above embodiments can be
obtained by sliding the wall portion in a state of its being fitted
into the groove.
[0081] (B)
[0082] In the above embodiments, an example was described in which
the rib 4 was disposed on the hearing aid main body case 1 side.
However, the present invention is not limited to this.
[0083] For instance, the reverse configuration may be employed, in
which a rib is disposed on the side face of the battery case 2.
Here again, the same effect as that obtained in the above
embodiments can be obtained.
[0084] (C)
[0085] In the above embodiments, an example was described in which
the convex portion 3 was provided on the hearing aid main body case
1 side, and the concave portion 5 on the battery case 2 side.
However, the present invention is not limited to this.
[0086] For instance, the configuration may be such that the concave
portion is provided on the hearing aid main body case 1 side, and
the convex portion on the battery case 2 side.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0087] The BTE hearing aid pertaining to the present invention
better prevents the penetration of water from the battery case,
which is useful in terms of increasing the quality of the hearing
aid.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0088] 1 hearing aid main body case [0089] 1a hanger portion [0090]
2 battery case [0091] 3 convex portion (rotary shaft) [0092] 3a
base portion [0093] 4 rib (second rib) [0094] 5 concave portion
[0095] 6 wall portion [0096] 6a first end [0097] 6b second end
[0098] 7 rib (first rib) [0099] 8 groove [0100] 8a first end [0101]
8b second end [0102] 10 water drop [0103] 11 penetration path
[0104] 12 penetration path [0105] 13 penetration path [0106] 14
penetration path [0107] 20 hearing aid [0108] 22 battery case
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